Sunday
Nov222009
Zipper Flannels
Posted on 
November 22, 2009 by Ryan Willms
November 22, 2009 by Ryan Willms 
A couple brands that I like have been producing flannel over shirts with zippers behind the buttons. It's a design that I've seen from Wings+Horns for a few seasons and Woolrich Woolen Mills specifically this fall. I've actually never really liked the feature that much, but I'm curious to hear your thoughts. I feel like the nature of these shirts is comfortable and cozy and the cool, razor edges of a big zipper kind of take that away. That said, the contrast in a soft material, nice buttons, placket and zipper can be a nice mix when done well. I've never purchased an over shirt with a zipper, but the Wings+Horns version seems to be doing well at Roden Gray. Would you prefer not to have the zipper? Is it just nice looking, unnecessary detail that separates the shirt from the pack or is there an actual functionality to it?
Reader Comments (11)
prefer buttons..for some reason adding the zipper makes me think of a zipper flannel one would see from wal mart
"Is it just nice looking, unnecessary detail that separates the shirt from the pack"
I wish Wings + Horns would hold back on this overtly self-conscious strategy. They put together nice items, but I could do without an extraneous button that doesn't button up or an upside-down pocket on every other piece. A good product should stand on its own regardless of gimmick.
That said, I think a nice zipper can have a powerful ergonomic and aesthetic effect (the feel of Filson or Barbour zippers comes to mind).
I'm with Jorden - it's just too contrived for my taste. A redundant closure makes sense on a heavy jacket (like a Barbour), but it's over the top for a light overshirt.
one or the other, not both. i see the functionality of making the shirt more light jacket like.
i actually own the wings + horns flannel and at first i thought it was for simple aesthetic reasons, but i noticed that it does serve a purpose. often times when i wear button-ups (especially after washing them) there can be peek-a-boo's that happen as you shift around in your shirt. maybe i'm just overly cautious about flashing anyone, but the zipper is kind of nice because you always get the consistent look of a perfectly pressed shirt with the look of buttons on the front.
i can see how it might seem over-the-top, but it's actually quite nice.
When we used to sell Nicholas K they use to do that on a style of their shirts, two of which I still wear. It's actually a desert/safari style detail you can find on some vintage shirts. You typically see it on a more military style shirt with epaulets.
I really dont see it as a gimmick no matter what style the shirt. It can be a nice detail that when people notice usually gets compliments.
Not where the buttons are, but on the new adidas collab with the neighborhood designer they have zippers to close pockets on the front. I think that shirt is right on the border of being overly branded, but actually its just right. Different enough to be unique, but not begging to be noticed. I think it works on a case to case basis.
I prefer buttons and think they can add something more substantial to a quality flannel. The zipper does add a jacket like quality though.
If you have buttons then the zips just are not needed.
zippers are probably easier to put on but i prefer buttons. zippers kinda ruin the whole flannel thing and makes it all technical like a jacket
Leave the zipper for the jackets. Shirts are better with buttons.